Rheola Market Leisure complex plans approved

Plans to bring housing and tourism to the Neath Valley have been given the green light following the news it will help to restore historic buildings.

Members of Neath Port Talbot Council’s planning committee have welcomed an application that will see 46 homes built, along with 100 log cabins and a leisure complex at Rheola Market between Glynneath and Resolven.

The planning committee voted unanimously to grant outline planning permission yesterday.

Councillors were told that if the application was approved, the applicant and site owner Howard Rees, would use the funds made from the development to “retain, repair and regenerate for future generations” the grade two star listed building, Rheola House and the other list buildings at the site.

“It will bring people and tourism to our valley — I think this is something to be commended.”

While Resolven councillor Des Davies added: “All I can say is wow – what a proposal. It is exciting that something that has been derelict for many years will see something done to it.
“This will keep a local historic building in the Neath Valley, and it will provide jobs.”

The project also includes proposals for plenty of green space for residents and visitors. The proposed leisure complex will include a restaurant, bar, shop, swimming pool and a gym, in a bid to make the site a “holiday destination” for tourists visiting the valley.

Glynneath mayor Del Morgan said he welcomed the plans. He said: “I know that these plans have been developed over a long period and I am sure that people in the area would like to see a conclusion to this. It involves a mixture of residential and leisure developments and the valley needs an economic boost. I hope that the planners and the applicant will agree the best combination to suit everyone in the valley.”